Think today’s youth does nothing but make Tik Tok videos or watch other people play Minecraft on YouTube?
Well, a trip to the Ohio Valley Farmer’s Market will restore your faith in the future.
There you will find multiple youthful vendors, many not yet able to call themselves teenagers.
The fair’s junior vendor program offers a number of area youth the option to sell their handcrafted wares.
Mind you, these aren’t “aww, they are young, and they tried, let’s buy something” quality items.
Whether it’s home baked goods, jewelry and other handcrafted items or even something with a little more artistic flair, you’ll find the quality of items offered top-notch.
Susan West, the market manager for the OVFM, recommended the junior vendor program to the board a few years ago.
But even she likely wasn’t planning for this quality of a turnout.
“This is quality work and I am beyond proud of every one of them,” West said.
Sweet Treats Bakery
Those wishing to satisfy a craving for sugar need only look for Sweet Treats Bakery.
Sarah, age 13, is the owner of Sweet Treats and along with her friend Ella, 11, provides an assortment of home baked creations.
Ella’s been baking a few years and under the tutelage of her mother and grandmother, has perfected recreating her grandma’s fudge recipe.
Sarah, meanwhile, caught the baking bug early in 2015 working with her mom and has grown that love into her own business.
In addition to what she and Ella offer at the market, Sarah takes custom orders for cookies, brownies, churros, and cookies.
But her specialty is custom birthday cakes. You know many 13-year-olds weaving their magic with fondant? Here’s one.
Give her a call at (740) 391-4361.
Riley Grace Designs
Riley Grace is one of two of West’s granddaughters to set up at the market.
A budding artist, Riley uses watercolor colored pencils to create images of birds native to Ohio on note cards. She’s also started making thank you cards to go with the drawings.
Riley, 13, is homeschool and noted she’s taking a few drawing classes as part of her home school co-op.
It’s sparked a passion that has her drawing whenever possible.
She admitted she creates more than birds, but is drawn to them because of the variation in color and shape. Each bird, like her cards, is unique.
You can find her on Facebook.
Mercy Photography/Cortwood & Cakepops
A brother and sister act, 10-year-old Mercy has a penchant for photography. Her photos are then applied to coasters and other items for sale at the market.
Her father recently purchased her a Nikon DLSR camera, but the young photographer already has an eye for the field. Her photos have an artistic quality to them that belies her age.
Her younger brother Cort, has his hands in multiple disciplines. Not only does he make cake pops, but he also does handcrafted wood creations dubbed Cortwood.
His mother admitted that, given his age, she gives him an “assist” with the sawing. But otherwise, the sanding, fastening, and painting are all courtesy of Cort.
Rooted
Sisters Addison (11) and Amelia (8) add in a little repurposing and conservation with their creations.
Rooted features macramé plant hangers created by the sisters, featuring various knots, including a custom knot designed by Addison that mirrors a braid.
Then there is the conservation part.
For the planters, the sisters use old or discount planters they find. For the plants? They head to the local greenhouses or stores and search for the plants that look to be near death.
They nurse them back to health and then add them to their hangars. Talk about green thinking.
Ryleigh’s Odds and Ends
Ryleigh, a fellow 13-year-old at the market, creates a variety of different items to sell—hence the shop name.
From baked goods to handcrafted jewelry and bracelets, and even paintings, Ryleigh’s stand has much to offer.
Saturday was just her third time selling as a junior vendor, but she’s enjoying the atmosphere and offering her creations to the customers.
Unlike some of the other vendors, Ryleigh’s Odds and Ends are only available at the farmers market. She said it’s something she enjoys but does it on the side to keep herself entertained.
Evelyn’s Totally Terrific Teas
Rounding out the junior vendors at Saturday’s market is West’s other granddaughter, Evelyn, 14, and her Totally Terrific Teas.
Evelyn buys her products in bulk and then packages an assortment of teas to sell at the market.
A budding tea aficionado, she enjoys discussing the various flavors with customers, as well as their medicinal properties.
She’s tried nearly all of the flavors she offers and has grown quite a taste for quality tea. Lipton isn’t going to cut it anymore.
In addition to her stand, Evelyn also helps West by assisting in manager the market while its ongoing.
